Supreme Court Tells Centre to Frame Safeguards for Children's Social-Media Use

The Supreme Court urged the Union government to address minors' access to social-media platforms through an appropriate regulatory framework.

What happened

The Supreme Court urged the Union government to address minors' access to social-media platforms through an appropriate regulatory framework. Hearing a PIL by Just Rights for Children Alliance, the Bench discussed parental consent, age thresholds and the obligations of intermediaries under Indian law. The Solicitor General said the government would examine whether existing data-protection provisions adequately cover the issue and indicated willingness to act through other legal mechanisms if necessary. The Court referred to intermediary safe-harbour under Section 79 of the Information Technology Act and warned that judicial directions may follow if regulation remains inadequate. The matter continues for governmental response.

Legal significance

The legal effect is confined to the present ruling or procedural development. Allegations and submissions are not treated as established facts.

What follows

The matter proceeds according to the operative judicial or statutory process described above.

Source: Original report